After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Jen worked on two Chicago-area newspaper copy desks, where she learned the importance of teamwork in getting the paper on the press every night. She left daily newspapers to edit syndicated weekly magazines at a division of what was then Thomson Newspapers. She was hired as a copy editor on the company’s flagship product and gradually moved into senior editor and lead editor roles, which gave her experience managing editors across offices and time zones.

Once she detached from newspapers for good, Jen spent nearly two decades at what is now Informa Connect working on B2B magazines, including a publication that served the convenience store industry. As a result, she can tell you more than you likely want to know about Slurpees and meat snacks. She also led the copy desk as director of editorial production and edited magazines and their related online products for the foodservice, grocery, and restaurant industries.

Nearly five years at content agency Leff Communications, where she was production director, schooled her in the world of client work and thought leadership. She’s excited to dig into her work as editorial manager and accomplish great things with her team and all the other Dragonflies.

Jen lives in Chicago. She loves the city for its walkability, culture, and free summer programs, including outdoor yoga classes and concerts in Millennium Park. She is passionate about being an aunt to two badass nieces.